The Thirty-Peso Project for Childhaus

I started my charity project, The Thirty-Peso Project, early this month and I am so glad that, on its first week, I have already reached the target amount for the whole of January. Friends and co-bloggers have expressed their pledges and most of them are as excited as I am that they have already sent their donations online. So far, so good.

This charity project will operate all year-round so aspiring donors will have much time to extend their help. The beneficiaries will be The Childhaus, a shelter for children with cancer in Quezon City. Proceeds will be spent for a Christmas Jollibee kiddie party, kiddie loot bags, and food supplies.

If you are interested to take part in this endeavor, kindly leave your comments and queries on the comment section below. Thank you.
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Accepting the Challenging of Losing Weight

I started going to the gym last Tuesday for an hour of stretching and treadmill. I also went yesterday for another session of burning calories. I am really serious with losing weight now. Aside from my Superfriend's bridal party in February and her wedding on March, I realized that I should do this not because I have to look good outside, but I want to feel good inside.

Aside from the physical strenuous activities I plan to start and keep doing, I also think of going back to drinking slimming coffees, two of which are my favorite Body Beauty and Leisure 18. I also heard of meizitang australia, a botanical slimming soft gel, which can effectively burn fats, accelerate metabolism, and delay skin aging. It is just amazing to lose 10 pounds in just a week. I am so excited to see the result when I wear my bridal shower costume and wedding dress.

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Renewal of Domain Names and Webhost Subscriptions

First of all, happy new year, dear readers! It has been a while since I last blogged. I tell you, December was such a busy month for me.

2012 has just arrived and it's time to renew domain names and webhost subscriptions once again. Since last month has been a hectic work and socials month for me, I happened to unintentionally ignore my blogging career.

Now I have to cut off my expenses in any way possible, in order to afford the renewal of my blogs' subscriptions. I am still thinking if I will stay with my recent domain name and webhost providers or find alternative Budget Website Hosting to save up. I do not want to welcome the new year with unnecessary charges.

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I am a Blogger on a Hiatus

Call me busy, yes. If there’s one thing I dread about being loaded with tons of office work load, it would be me, ending on a blog hiatus—with less scheduled blog events and with no earnings at all. So now tell me how can I buy Christmas gifts for my godchildren or Tungsten Rings for my dear ones?

I have six blogs, including this one, and all of them are not updated for at least two weeks ago. I still have backlogs about Unilever and World Food Programme’s joint project entitled, “Sandwich Heroes,” and for our Crustasia’s food event. I also have pending articles about Tagaytay’s Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and Pamana Restaurant for my travel blogs, plus my review about Aeroline Bus Line from Malaysia to Singapore and the Hop On-Hop Off Bus in Kuala Lumpur.

My websites’ page ranks are degrading and it saddens me. I still don’t know when will I be available and be active again in blogging. All I know is I have to catch up time and make up with those I owe articles from. I’m sorry and I just hope you understand, guys.

Advanced Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to all!

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Missed the FTX Gym Event

I was invited to attend a blog event sponsored and hosted by the FTX Gym. Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, I couldn't come. Oh, how I envy my blogger friends doing Fly Yoga like this:

Cathy, Flow, and Ms. Xchosa doing Fly Yoga

I have heard that there are lots of fitness programs and activities to try at FTX Gym, so the next time I got invited, I will surely be there.

Thanks for the photos, Juan Manila Express!

Check on this fat burning website for more information about losing weight fast.

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On Money-Making and Online Shopping

Another best thing about making money online, aside from you have a source of income to support your monthly bills, is that you also have some extra bucks to spend for online shopping. The saying, “All work and no play makes Nicely a dull girl” always reminds me that after a hard day’s work, I deserve some fun and pleasure. And at this moment, fun and pleasure, for me, means lurking online shops for clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.

Lately, I find online auction and bidding exciting, and competing with other online buyers, challenging—just like what everybody feels when trying to win the items they want during the very last seconds of the sale. Although I lost in the bidding for two Zara apparels on one of the world’s leading online shops this morning, I know there are better items to come.

But of course, online transactions should be handled with awareness and vigilance, as other online sellers are just pretending to be “legitimate sellers,” and the next thing you know is that he has already run away with your money, leaving you with disappointment and with an empty hand. That is why it is important to check your seller’s feedbacks first, before you close the deal, or search Google for online forums and articles to know about the pros and cons of the sites you are negotiating with. dealfun.com reviews is among the results when I Googled for reviews of the online auction site I am currently visiting. Support groups like this can be of great help so let us take advantage of them.

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The 1st Blogapalooza Event was a Blast!

The 1st Blogapalooza Event last September 17, 2011, Saturday at the 5th floor of FullyBooked-Bonifacio High Street was a blast, as 150 bloggers and 50 participating businesses gathered to build linkages and expand their networks. This served to be the newest platform for businesses-to-bloggers ventures to grow.

Here are some photos to share.

Upon arriving at the venue a few minutes late, speakers from different businesses have started to conquer the stage. Some raffles have also been drawn already.

There were display booths of participating companies, featuring their products and services. In this photo is Mr. Anton Diaz of OurAwesomePlanet.com, curiously interviewing the agent of Shopinas.com. 

Here is Earthlingorgeous.com by the pole, challenging herself to do poledancing. I would also like to try it. 

A poledancer from Polecats Manila was performing and bloggers flocked together to cover the show.

I was with my blogger friends, Mee-i, Alex, and Superfriend, and I also happened to meet Ms. Nica Mandigma of Nica's Day Out during the event. I am very pleased to have met her in person. She is really a kind, soft-spoken person. Gusto ko siyang maging friend.

In this photo is Mr. Pocholo Gonzales of Creativoices. I have long known him as a Facebook friend, but I have seen him in person only during the Blogapalooza. His voice talent is amazing! I was stunned in awe and I wanted to try attending a workshop with him. Warning: My voice is annoying.

Easy Pha-Max was also there to introduce wheatgrass products and other cleansing formulas. They also had a booth for blood analysis and we did not let the chance pass. Results said I am acidic and have to lessen my uric acid and cholesterol level in order to achieve a good blood circulation. In the photo below is my Superfriend, taking full advantage of her turn.

The event was really a blast, as bloggers went home with a smile on their face while carrying their overflowing bags of loots. Here are the giveaways I got from the event.

Leslie's Potato Chips are the best! I love 'em!

These are what's inside my loot bag :)

A shirt from Regatta

Thanks to the organizers and sponsors! More power and hope to see you again at the 2nd Blogapalooza Event!

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Keeping Your Site Interesting for You and Your Readers

Without a doubt, blogging is now one of the most popular means of earning an extra income while at the same time you could express yourself. For those who have been on this field for quite a long time, you’ll know that building a strong presence in the online world is not a walk in the park. It is very important that your website is appealing in order to attract visitors. The internet has become the easiest way to market anything be it a product, service or just about anything under the sun.

In order to survive and become successful remember to keep the public interested. How? Start by coming up with a site layout that could easily catch people’s attention. There’s a tendency for most people to check out blogs that are carefully designed. Stay away from a dull web template and go for one that could clearly describe your interest and blog category.

If you are a newbie, one of the things that you should remember is that the articles are very important. This is primarily what you are trying to sell. Coming up with short posts are fine as long as it is well written and with correct grammar. A common mistake for most writers is that the site tends to be monotonous and this could easily make your readers bored.

It is very important as a website owner you are also interested and passionate about writing. Sure this is a great way to earn money and the opportunities are endless but keep in mind that your main objective should be to inspire and educate and share your passion to the readers.

Anne currently works as a freelance writer. Among her favorite topics include travel, current events, technology and fashion. She's enjoying her current task writing for afslibning af gulve a project which is about sanding of floors.

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I Am Nicely! feat. PayPal vs. FlashyBux.com

After months of waiting for my refund from FlashyBux.com—and after writing a dispute letter to PayPal, I already received my reversal fee of $20. Thanks for the help, PayPal!

If you still remember my post about FlashyBux.com, I mentioned that I was already a member, but I forgot to disclose that I also invested $10 for each account (I have two accounts because it is allowed). Now that was $20.

I spent much of my time clicking ads. Until I could not log in anymore. The system said my country had been blocked, so immediately contacted PinayAds to inform her that there was a malicious occurrence on FlashyBux. I also engaged in its forum site and from there I discovered that the site was hacked. Many other flashybux members complained and got worried about their money in their accounts, amounts even higher than mine.

The owner/founder of the site apologized for the security threats. But that was not the issue. How can we get back our investments? He promised to settle things but not for the moment, as his money from his account was also stolen. The hacker even tracked his bank account, leaving it with zero balance. According to John, he could not attend to our issues right away because he also had his own problems—financial and family—to fix. He told us his wife separated from him because of this "hacking" thing in his website. My bad, I even lost hope that I would refund my money soon.

Just this morning, I received a notification from PayPal that I won the case and they were sending me the money from FlashyBux. I am just so glad I was able to get my reversal claim.

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My First PostNJoy Winning!

I have just won $8 for my first PostNJoy blog post, which I published on my Cavite Weekend Project site. 

My efforts paid off. At first, I had difficulty in submitting my article as the system detected some inconsistencies. I had to contact them and ask what happened. Afterwards, I already met their requirements and it got approved. Now, I have $8 in my PostNJoy account, waiting to be withdrawn until it fills the $20 minimum limit.

Thanks to PostNJoy and to those who contributed to my blog post's hits, comments, and likes.

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On Selling Cheap Cigarettes as Part of my Small Business

To support my monthly car mortgage, I decided to sell cheap cigarettes in the office. My officemates used to ask our liaison officer to buy cigarettes at a nearby convenient store, so I took advantage of it. Instead of him running an errand, I thought of putting up a small business that will provide for what they need, in real time.

At first, I was hesitant because it was kind of degrading in my part. However, I realized that this is “business.” To earn extra income, I have to use my network and my business skills. Whether I sell or not, they will still continue their vice, so why not make things easy for them? It is just a matter of give-and-take.

For now, I am purchasing my stocks from a local supermarket, which offers cigarettes and other items at lower prices, as compared to other leading stores. I am also thinking of purchasing cheap cigarettes online but I still have to wait for my investment returns to be able to purchase in bulk orders.

While waiting for the liquidation of my profit, I started to look for other potential suppliers, and 1001cigarettes.com is among them. It provides a wide variety of fresh, high quality cigars, which are directly exported by brand manufacturers from Russia and Ukraine. Access to online purchases through credit card payments is also a plus.

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The Red Whistle Campaign: No More AIDS-related Deaths, Stop HIV Spread Now!

This is me with Niccolo Cosme, Co-founder of the Red Whistle Campaign

What is the Red Whistle Campaign? The Red Whistle Campaign is a response to the alarming rise in HIV infection in the Philippines, which has been recorded to perform an exponential leap from the "low and slow" character of the epidemic before 2007. This project aims to empower and inspire people to work together to win this battle against HIV and AIDS.

Its three objectives are:

• to raise awareness on the situation to encourage community action;
• to deliver safe sex messages designed to reach communities affected by the epidemic; and
• help facilitate access or referral to HIV services, including HIV testing, treatment, and support services.

So far The Red Whistle campaign has penetrated the blogging community, summoning bloggers and personalities to participate in Niccolo Cosme's Head Shot Clinic, a project where they share to the public their photos for a cause. In addition, The campaign is also getting much support from various organizations expressing their pledges and commitments to put this advocacy into action.

Currently, they are looking for graphic/visual artists friends who can donate artworks inspired by The Red Whistle, which are hoped to sound an alarm. Companies and establishments are also welcome for partnership, to give high visibility for the campaign.

Be involved! Check out The Red Whistle Campaign FB Page and help stop the spread of virus!

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AJ Matela, You Will Always Be Loved and Remembered...

It was truly sad and heartbreaking to hear about the passing away of one of the most influential bloggers I have ever met. I find him the HUMBLEST, too. Ariel James Matela, also known as AJ Matela, of baklaako.com is unquestionably a great loss in the blogging community.

I remember meeting him in person for the first time during the Digital Filipino Club and Bloggers Fellowship Night at the Casino Filipino-Parañaque sometime in October 2008. He was the one who approached me and asked confidently, "Nicely?" I smiled back, expressing the grateful and flattered look in my eyes, realizing that a popular blogger in his person knows me by my first name. We shook hands and the conversation went smoothly well, fun, and sensible, as AJ—as we all know—is the kind of person who is always full of good energies and brilliant ideas. We talked about our blogs, fashion, and some slice of life, while sipping a glass of red wine in our one hand. Our small talk ended when he saw another blogger who I also know as one of AJ's closest friends in the industry.

With AJ during the Digital Filipino Club & Bloggers' Fellowship Night

October 2008

AJ is naturally kind and accommodating, no matter what the level of friendship he shares with that person. I was only among his avid blog readers, yet he tried to reach out to know me better, even for a while. I soon became one of his many followers who admire his principles, intelligence, and humility. For me and for many other friends, Ariel James Matela will always be loved and remembered.

As AJ joined the Lord Almighty above, his bereaved family is left grieving by the loss of a good son and brother. They are also coping with the finances, which they used for AJ's medical and hospitalization expenses in the past months. His family is in dire need of our monetary help to pay the bills, so please open your heart and lend a hand for the Matela family—FOR AJ.

You may contact AJ's mom thru her mobile numbers: 09085701555 or 09279848142. Bank details of the family are:

BPI Savings Account

8669-0851-93

Eric John Matela

Kidapawan Branch

BDO
5267-27000-7474-501
Anne A. Matela
Cash n Carry

You can also donate via Paypal at fundsforAJ@gmail.com (it will give you a notice that you’ve sent it to Sapphia). Of course, full access has been given to the family to monitor donations. Make sure you’re sending it as a personal payment and not a business payment so there’s no extra fee. If you can help organize a fundraiser, please leave a comment so we can talk about it with the family. We need all the help we can get.

Please also like this page 1000 Volunteers for AJ Matela: http://www.facebook.com/pages/1000-Volunteers-for-AJ-Matela/172748082800920?sk=wall.

(Details source: Tanggera.com and Micamyx.com's tribute blog posts for AJ)

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I Prefer Printed Calendars to Digital Ones

With my present situation in the office, I am really having a hard time juggling my assignments because aside from being one of the senior writers, I am also the property custodian responsible for making sure office supplies are available and equipment are functional. I am also a member of the company’s choir (which I do not disclose to everyone because I am ashamed of my voice really) who attends practices, general rehearsals, and actual performances regularly.

Being a part-time blogger who commits to social media events and blogging activities after office hours and during weekends also fills my calendar. Travels, food trips, and product launchings are among the things I am busy with. Attendance to family gatherings is also a must, especially at this quarter of the year: the -ber months.

Just this morning, I asked my officemate to buy a daily planner for me. I thought of it as necessary since I noticed that I have been forgetting important things lately. Fortunately, he has an extra one; he gave it to me for free.

Even if I already have my schedules encoded in my phone calendar, I still prefer to use the conventional calendar printing so that I can easily check my done, cancelled, and moved appointments and jot down my notes on it, without depending on my cellular phone, which sometimes is undependable due to drained batteries.

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Fashion Accessories Made of Seed Beads are Perfect as Christmas Gifts

Christmas is fast approaching and what better gifts for girl friends are none other than fashion accessories. Since I am in a tight budget, I plan to make my own fancy jewelry crafts to be given to the chosen few ladies I adore.

I am eyeing to purchase Seed Beads in bulk either in Quiapo or in Divisoria. I think it is really more practical to acquire raw materials and do your self-made ornaments as souvenirs rather than buy them ready-made. Plus, there will be a personal touch since you made them with love.

Surely, my Mom will be super happy to receive such a masterpiece by me. She loves earrings and bracelets. My officemates, I guess, will also be very glad to acquire fashion accessories that will match their everyday outfit. I am good at this skill, so I am making the best out of these seed beads.

Moreover, I also plan to craft more than I needed, so I can sell them online. Honestly, I really have to think of alternative ways to earn extra income, aside from my blogging tasks, so I can pay for my monthly car mortgage and other bills. This one is a good idea.

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